Festivals Fund is launched

Checking out the online application process for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Councils Community Festivals Fund are Gay Sherry-Bingham, Centre Manager and Mandy Gilmore, Finance Administrator from Atalas Womens Centre. While look on (l-r) are Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Councils Leisure & Community Development Committee and Jonathan Craig MLA.

The Council’s Community Festival’s Fund recognises the contribution made at grassroots level by festivals to strengthening community participation and in contributing to the rich culture and vibrancy of the Lisburn & Castlereagh area.

“I am delighted to announce the return of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Community Festivals Fund. I want to encourage online applications - from Wednesday 16 March - when the grant scheme opens”, said Alderman Porter.

Constituted community and voluntary organisations can apply for a minimum grant of £1,500 up to a maximum of £3,500 to deliver a community festival in their area.

Events must also provide city-wide benefit and meet the council’s wider priorities around equality, community cohesion and place-shaping.

“The city of Lisburn and Castlereagh is lucky to be host to a great number of successful and diverse festivals,” commented Alderman Porter.

“It’s fantastic that the Council has designated funds to help these flourish. Once again we are looking to support those groups which provide the social glue which binds our communities together.

“I would strongly encourage community and voluntary organisations to take advantage of this great opportunity and apply online for their share of the funding.”

The is an open call for applications online at www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/community by the closing deadline of 12 noon on Wednesday 6 April.

Late applications will not be accepted after this date.

The Council is hosting two public information workshops to provide applicant organisations with information relating to the completion of applications to the Community Festivals Fund.

These will both take place on Tuesday 22 March at 7pm at ISLAND Arts Centre and Wednesday 23 March at 7pm at Bradford Court

To register for either of these workshops or if your community group needs support with the on-line application contact Arts Administration Assistant On T: 028 92 509509 or E: [email protected].